NEWS

Journey for Change

On 28 April 2016, a South African team of nine able-bodied runners, two hand cyclists and an amputee will embark on an epic 10-day relay journey from Cape Town to Pretoria. This non-stop, 24 hour journey through four provinces forms part of the OCAL Global (One Chance At Life) aim, which is to not only raise awareness around the needs of differently abled people but also to raise funds for two individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries. The monies raised by the worldwide movement will provide these individuals with the necessary medical resources, much needed rehabilitation and acquiring the right wheelchair for their needs.

OCAL Global was founded by Nicolene Mostert on the premise and belief that our success is not measured by our own achievements in life, but rather what we have helped others to achieve and accomplish. Says Mostert: “The two individuals we’re assisting in this first annual initiative will also be taken on board as the core team members of our 2017 journey. By doing this we will not only be facilitating their recovery but also show them that they can still have a life filled with adventure and purpose even in their now differently-abled bodies.”

The OCAL Global team, however, won’t be stopping there. They are also planning to enrol the two candidates into coaching courses in order for them to mentor the 2018 team members.

“I was looking to make a difference in life right around the time I met Nicolene. Her mission to challenge a global belief system regarding disability resonated with me and it was a naturally easy partnership from there,” says Alun Davies, Co-Founder of OCAL Global. Having project managed a team of physically disabled athletes, including the world’s first triple amputee, going up Kilimanjaro made it as clear as daylight to this passionate duo that there is no such thing as disability. “It sparked the realisation that we are all in some way or another disabled, be it emotionally, physically or mentally,” Mostert concludes.

The group of able and differently abled athletes who will champion this challenge set to inspire any athlete or non-athlete, will be seen running from Cape Town to Pretoria, following the route through: Durbanville – Ceres – Breede River – Sutherland – Fraserburg – Loxton – Victoria West – Richmond – Hanover – Colesburg – Luckoff – Jagersfontein – Bloemfontein – Theunissen – Kroonstad – Parys – Magaliesburg – Centurion. They will culminate their run in the Wings for Life World Run on 8 May 2016, at Supersport Park in Pretoria.

OCAL Global has partnered with Puma and Biogen for this year’s journey. For more information, follow OCAL Global on Facebook, Twitter (@ocalglobal) and Instagram (@ocalglobal) as well as #OCAL2016.